18.09.2026
Ensuring Safety, Quality and Compliance in Offshore Operations | Insights from Oceans & Cables
During the two days of symposium and workshop in Monaco, one topic emerged clearly from all presentations by GEOMAR and industry partners: as the focus moves from simple UXO detection to full clearance, the quality of execution offshore becomes critical.
This is where the role of the UXO Client Representative (Client Rep) onboard becomes essential. Often misunderstood as a simple observer, the Client Rep is in fact the Client’s eyes, ears and guarantee for safety and data quality on the vessel.
What does a UXO Client Rep do onboard?
Based on standard industry practice for offshore UXO, the role covers two phases:
1. Before Mobilisation:
– Attendance to HSE and quality briefings
– Review of data quality requirements and reporting formats
– Validation of the Daily Client Rep Report format (operations log, weather, downtime, HSE issues, planning for next 24-48h)
2. During Operations – Daily Follow-up and Control:
– Verify that the vessel and all equipment are properly mobilised and certified as per regulation
– Check that works are performed according to client specifications, contract, predefined procedures and legislation
– Ensure data obtained by the survey is of acceptable quality by reviewing raw and processed data
– Review Contractor Daily Progress Reports, including weather standby decisions and schedule
– Issue a Daily Client Rep Report to the client and lead daily conference calls
The role requires a strong combination of offshore safety certifications (GWO, BOSIET/HUET, STCW), HSE training such as IOSH Managing Safely, and deep technical knowledge of UXO survey, inspection and removal operations.
Why does it add value to the project?
Risk Reduction: The Client Rep ensures that the Survey Contractor executes the scope safely, timely and efficiently, alerting the client immediately if necessary. For projects or any cable route, this means verifying geophysical UXO survey, inspection of possible UXO objects, and removal of identified objects is done by the book.
Quality Assurance: By reviewing data in real-time onboard, the Client Rep avoids costly remobilizations. Bad data is caught offshore, not in the office 3 weeks later.
Cost Control: Independent verification of weather standby, downtime, and operational decisions protects the Client from unjustified claims.
Link between Offshore and Onshore: In line with best practices from leading consultancies, the Rep coordinates regional risk studies and advises on optimal technical solutions.
At Oceans & Cables we provide experienced, certified UXO Client Representatives holding valid §20 certificates and IMCA-compliant offshore certification, ensuring your project meets the highest standards required by developers and authorities.
The lesson from Monaco is clear: as the industry moves to clear the legacy of munitions in our seas, having an independent, qualified Client Rep onboard is no longer optional – it is the standard for ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) risk mitigation.
Oceans & Cables Limited is a company based in Malta, founded in 2014, operating in the submarine cable industry and related technical services, working with various industries and markets globally. Our specialisation is in the consultancy, planning and implementation of the submarine cable industry for governmental entities, commercial corporations, and offshore renewable energy companies around the world. For more information about Oceans & Cables, please contact us on info@oceanscables.com.
Article written by Aldo Monaca, Director at Oceans & Cables Limited.